Our Xmas party on December 17 went with a swing, ably chaired by George Mackey. He welcomed DG Ross Butterworth and Annette and guests.
Ross made a special presentation of a District Award to Roger and Pip Thornton as Major Donors to the Rotary Foundation. He presented them with engraved diamond pins and a crystal ornament (left) and said such donations as the Thorntons had made, enabled the Foundation to produce its array of programs such as food, clean water, immunisation and medicine for third world communities.
George then introduced Anne Mitchell from Steps Ministry and Mohammed Isah from Lentara and gave them each $750 worth of $25 Woolworths Essential vouchers for their clients. The vouchers were donated by the ever-generous Marjorie and Bernie Gerlinger and by Robert Brunner, chair of Circle Credit Cooperative. Later our guests collected more than 90 hamper bags put together by members – and with organisational input from Margaret Thomas who acquired and parcelled up more than 80kg of spices, dates etc from a wholesaler.
Anne Mitchell described the work of herself and colleagues sitting at nights on the steps of Flinders St Station as first step to getting clients back into the mainstream community. The previous day she had been helped in wrapping presents for 200 homeless, by a 34 year old ex-client who had originally turned up as a 14yo client with a baby. She was at the time out of control and spat on Anne’s colleague Sheila and kicked Sheila’s car. The girl’s life then turned around and she said she was now happy to help others less fortunate.
Mohammed said many of his clients would be having their first Australian Christmas and without RCCMS help could have had no presents and no money. “Australia gives everyone a fair go and welcomes newcomers not just now but through the year,” he said.
We were then surprised and entranced by Melbourne’s premier choral quartet, The Rotary Singers, namely Herb Greenwood, Kay Stevens, Robin Stevens and Mary Voice whose inspired interpretation made us feel that we were hearing “Silent Night” for the first time. They also ran through the 12 Days of Christmas with a modern flavour.
Sgt Michael Bromby, Australia’s if not the world’s King of Comedy, read his poem “Ode to Christmas” lionising many members of the club, followed by the magical appearance of Father Christmas as interpreted by Kevin Walklate.
This was a fitting climax to a fun breakfast.
Pics: A grateful Anne and Mohammed pack their cars with hampers after the breakfast.
The successful Christmas Tree of Joy program, with Alan Seale and Tower givers.
